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The world's second-largest landlocked country is mostly covered by vast grassy steppe. Due to cold winters, tourist season runs here mainly from May to October. However, the best time to visit Mongolia to enjoy its short summers and colourful ethnic celebrations is July. During this month visitors can see the traditional Mongolian Bökh Wrestling and the famous Naadam Festival, which features archery and horse racing and is often called the Mongolian Olympics. You can also see the Yak Festival ​in Bat Ulzii in Orkhon Valley, where you can watch yak polo. On your visit to Mongolia, instead of booking a hotel you can try camping in an authentic nomadic ger. And make sure you try the wine drink Arkhi, Mongolian milk-based alcohol, for the complete experience.

45 things to do in Mongolia

Rafting

July–September Activity

Besides the thrill provided by the sport itself, you can discover nature, wildlife, and hidden tribal settlements

Shamanism

June 20–June 22 Activity

Professional shamans will connect you with spirits, but listen carefully as maybe your ancestors are trying to tell you something

Visiting Tsaatan Tribe

mid-June–mid-August Activity

Meet the reindeer nomads during their short-lasting stay out of the taiga's deep forests

Tsagaan Sar

March 1, 2025 Event

The Lunar New Year feast provides a great occasion to truly indulge in meat dumplings, just hope that the thaw does not spoil all the food stored outside

Meat Dishes

October–March Food

Throughout winter Nomads warm up with barbeque, meat dumplings, meat-based soups, and dried meats

Wildlife Watching

July–September Nature

The Mongolian wilderness resembles a zoo, with only one difference: animals and birds are freely living in their natural habitat

Wildflowers of Steppes

May–August Nature

The abundance of Mongolian wildflowers are a sight to behold, feed millions of grazing livestock, and are even believed to have curative properties!

Mongol Rally

July 13–24, 2024 | July 12–23, 2025 Event

One of the greatest motor adventures in the world takes its route from Czechia to Kazakhstan, making a spectacular way through Central Asia

Hunting with Eagles

November–March Activity

Female eagles do not try to act lady-like and break all stereotypes with their aggressive hunts

Arkhi or Mongolian Milk Wine

May–September Food

When the taste of a wine resembles slightly bitter cheese it is strange indeed, but the hard-to-find authentic alcohol is worth a try

Horseback Riding

mid-June–mid-August Activity

Horses are inseparable from the nomadic lifestyle, and a must-do experience for whoever wants to feel the local mode of life

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

May–September Nature

If you want to explore the limestone caves and mountains of the ancient seabed, head to Dundgovi Province

Mongol Derby

August 4-17, 2024 Event

With the toughest terrain to pass, the Mongol Derby is considered to be the most challenging and longest horse race in the world

Thousand Camel Festival

March 6–March 7 Event

A thousand fluffy humpbacks atop a frozen lake!

Boating

May–September Activity

Enjoy the wild beauty of Mongolia on a peaceful boat trip

Birdwatching

May–mid-September Nature

Mongolia's natural habitats are especially full of bird life during migration season

Bökh Wrestling

early July Event

The traditional sport favored by Genghis Khan himself, is a must for every Mongolian

Singing Sands in the Gobi Desert

June | September Nature

Nature itself composes music played by blowing winds and rolling sand

Yolyn Am Canyon

February–November Nature

Home to eagles, vultures, and wild sheep, the area is decorated by bright wildflowers in summer and covered in ice in winter

Ice Skating

December–early March Activity

Have fun in any of the capital city's numerous ice rinks, or better on the frozen river

Hunting

September–October Activity

The Mongolian wilderness sustains nomads with delicious game, namely wild goats, sheep, and above all—marmots

Hot Springs

May–September Activity

The hot minera​l-rich water of the Mogoit hot springs is said to cure allergies, sore joints, and strengthen one's nervous system

Winter Dzud

November–March Activity

Can you imagine the wild Siberian beauty of winter transforming into an animal cemetery?—Sad, but true, indeed

Airag

May–September Food

Raw mare's milk is inedible at least for lactose-intolerant Mongols, but when fermented—it is quite the opposite

Kayaking and Canoeing

June–August Activity

Thousands of local rivers are waiting for you to explore the untouched wilderness on a kayak or canoe

Hay Harvest

late August–mid-September Activity

The actual gathering of hay is the most pleasant part of the otherwise laborious but vital hay making process

Skiing and Snowboarding in Mongolia

mid-November–March Activity

Who said winter was an unfavourable season? This is a great time for a ski adventure amidst the frozen wilderness

Autumn Colours

late August–September Nature

Siberia is particularly charming when birches, poplars, and larches show off with golden yellow hues

Fishing

July–October Activity

Fishermen in Mongolia have the chance to catch the large and tasty Siberian salmon—Taimen

Sunset at the Flaming Cliffs

April–October Activity

Judging from the discovery of dinosaur eggs, one could assume this beautiful site used to be the home to many such creatures

Mongolian Horse

mid-May–July Nature

Mongolian horses can be found with colouring ranging from white to gray, brownish-gray, chestnut, and black

Naadam Festival

July 11–July 13 Event

Men show off their best skills at three manly games: archery, wrestling, and horse racing

Ger Camping

May–September Activity

Instead of the usual hotel, Mongolia offers something unique and authentic—traditional nomadic ger camping

Cycling

May–September Activity

The variety of landscapes and lots of wildlife makes biking in Mongolia a true adventure

Yak Polo

June–August | July 23 (Festival) Activity

It is a funny sight to observe Mongolians and their uncontrollable yaks cooperatively playing yak polo

Winter Clothing

November–March Activity

Wonder how one can dress warm and look stylish at the same time when it is -30 to -40 °C outside?—Mongolians know perfectly well how!

Orkhon Waterfalls

June–September Nature

This white foaming beauty is the result of ancient volcanic eruptions

Dog Sledding

November–April Activity

The Mongolian winter fairy tale is best showcased on a relaxin​g sled ride powered by strong Siberian dogs

Yak Milk Specialities

May–September Food

Health-boosting "aarul," "urum" cream, Mongolian butter, soft kefir yogurt, and cheese—all from yak's milk

Hiking and Mountaineering

May–June | September Activity

Hiking trips reveal great nature and unusual architecture—imperial ruins, former monasteries, and abandoned cities

Throat Singing

all year round (summer courses in August) Event

Hypnotizing sounds seem to be coming from the afterlife—Mongolian singing must be the weirdest traditional music in the world

Nauryz (Spring/New Life) Festival

March 20–22, 2023 Event

Mongolian Kazakhs are never kinder and more generous than during their new year celebration

Archery

July Activity

In Mongolia, one may observe the world's best archers and receive firsthand knowledge of the skill's secrets

Trekking in the Altai

June–September Activity

The pure alpine beauty in the wildest surounding of Western Mongolia

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Ring in the New Year at Genghis Khan Square in Ulaanbaatar

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